Matching and connection methods and systems requiring video communication

ABSTRACT

Methods and systems for matching and connecting people are described and comprise a plurality of user profiles and user accounts associated with a plurality of users wherein a user may be presented with user profiles of candidate matches, matched at least in part on criteria specified by the user. Following mutual match interest indications from two users, a match is created therebetween and a connection is possible, however, the connection between the two users is contingent on a qualified video chat therebetween and mutual connection interest indications therefrom. Communication between two users of a match is restricted and controlled towards satisfying the qualified video chat requirement. Upon establishing a connection, the two users are enabled for ongoing communication with each other.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of copending U.S. application Ser.No. 16/706,758, filed Dec. 8, 2019, which is a continuation of U.S.application Ser. No. 16/531,297, filed Aug. 5, 2019, which claims thebenefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/728,919, filed Sep. 10,2018, and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.62/826,776, filed Mar. 29, 2019, each of which is incorporated byreference herein in its entirety.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

THE NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

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INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC OR ASA TEXT FILE VIA THE OFFICE ELECTRONIC FILING SYSTEM (EFS-WEB)

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FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to methods and systems for connecting(e.g., matching, etc.) people. More particularly, the present disclosurerelates to computer implemented methods and systems that require videochat between users prior to allowing further communication therebetween.

BACKGROUND

The complexity of how people interact has dramatically increased inrelation to capabilities afforded by internet communication. Electroniccommunication systems, databases, protocols, and services have beendeveloped for a diverse set of end users in order to navigate theincreasing complicated social networks in which human beings areinteracting.

For example, the dating market has changed. As more and more singles useonline dating as the method of meeting potential mates, a single user'snumber of potential connections and mates becomes increasingly vast andmore complex to navigate. People navigate profiles where an end user mayquickly accept or reject candidate matches following a quick glance of apotential match's pictures and brief read of their profile, receive asimilar reciprocal choosing paradigm and if both are interested in oneanother and willing to communicate further (e.g., via text messages),the two parties to a potential match are allowed to communicate.Accordingly, end users spend countless hours choosing candidate matchesbased on minimal information and once candidate matches are found,end-users often engage in protracted superficial text messaging beforemeaningful conversation takes place. Furthermore, an end user mayinitiate interest in a large number of candidate matches with littleconsideration to priority or urgency of follow-through, leaving manymatches predominantly inconvenienced with little chance of eventualbenefit.

Moreover, as the dating profiles typically rely on pictures and briefdescriptions of people, these superficial text messages are often with aperson different than who is shown or described. This form of identitydeception in online dating is known as “catfishing.” In catfishing, aperson may create a fake identity on a social networking accountpretending to be someone they are not with an intent to lure potentialconnections into a false relationship.

The foregoing discussion is presented solely to provide a betterunderstanding of the problems confronting the art and should not beconstrued in any way as an admission of prior art, nor should citationof any reference herein be construed as an admission that such referenceconstitutes prior art to the instant application.

SUMMARY

Requirements for electronic communications systems usable by users toidentify other users to a potential relationship may include providingusers with the ability to identify possible parties of interest andassess identified parties, thereby allowing users to make adetermination of their desire to have a connection therewith. However,given a general ease and disinhibition that can be characteristics ofcommunicating electronically, combined with abilities to identify andassess users of potential interest, a result is that many electroniccommunications systems suffer from detrimental electronic communicationsbetween users. Examples of such detrimental communications may becharacterized by one or more of the following terms and phrases:superfluous, superficial, frivolous, briefly considered, given littlethought, indiscreet, insincere, careless, and the like. Furthermore,given an ability to shield one's true self when using an electroniccommunications system, such systems can suffer from misrepresentationsmade by users. As a result, users of electronic communications systemsattempting to identify other users to a potential relationship can findthe use of such systems to be futile, by pursuing connections that maybe based on misrepresentations. Users of electronic communicationssystems can further find the use of such systems to be ineffective andinefficient, due to the difficulties and wasted time of sorting throughexcess and detrimental communications from users who may have givenlittle or no consideration to their level of interest, and/or may bedisingenuous regarding their interest.

Various methods and systems for efficiently arranging connectionsbetween people, also referred to as users of the system (or simplyusers) are disclosed. According to some possible implementations,methods and systems may be used to facilitate dating between people, andmay be partially premised on preventing typical routes of communicationbetween two users of a connection service who have identified each otheras a potential match until the two users have video chatted with oneanother. In some implementations, each pair of users in a match arerequired to video chat with each other for a certain amount of timebefore an enabling of any further communication between the users ispossible. In some implementations, controlled communication related tovideo chat scheduling may be facilitated prior to a video chat thatsatisfies qualification requirements. The systems and methods describedherein may be configured to allow users to engage in online dating moreefficiently by reducing the time wasted with incompatible matchestypically plaguing other social networking sites.

In some implementations, a connection method and system may comprise aplurality of user devices connected over a communications network via aplurality of communications links to a server based application servicessystem, thereby providing access to a plurality of user accounts by aplurality of users. The application services system may comprise anapplication services interface module (e.g., a communications interfacelayer), application software modules and data services (includingservices such as one or more databases) through which users may createand interact with user accounts. The application software modules mayinclude a user account management module, a user profiles managementmodule, a candidate matching and selection module, a match andconnection management module and a user services and policies module.Users may access a user account management module and a user profilesmanagement module to create a user account and a user profile which maybe stored within a database of data services and the user profiles maybe used by other users to consider users associated with the userprofiles, and in response to such consideration, to provide an interestindication in further communication with a user associated with aconsidered user profile, also referred to as a positive interestindication, or to provide an interest indication of no such furthercommunication, also referred to as a negative interest indication. Insome implementations, users may specify criteria, such as filtering,selecting and matching criteria, also referred to as match settings,such that they may access and consider user profiles of other users thatmatch, at least in part, their specified criteria. In someimplementations, user match settings may be associated with their useraccount or user profile and stored by data services for subsequentretrieval and use in accessing matching user profiles in response to arequest for matching user profiles, which may be referred to ascandidate matches. In some implementations, users may specify matchsettings as part of a request for matching user profiles (candidatematches).

Users may access user account management module and candidate matchingand selection module to request candidate matches, whereupon candidatematching and selection module may access data services to determine apool of (e.g., a set of) user profiles matching, at least in part, matchsettings specified by the requesting user. The user may then whenprovided one or more candidate matches, consider associated userprofiles, or portions thereof, from the provided candidate matches andprovide a positive match interest indication or a negative matchinterest indication regarding their interest in further communicationwith each of the candidate matches they consider. As such, two users mayrequest, consider and provide match interest indications in candidatematches, such that they each receive the other user's user profile, andindicate a positive match interest in further communication with theother user, thereby resulting in mutual positive match interestindications, wherein the latter occurring of the two may be referred toas a reciprocal positive match interest indication. Upon a reciprocalpositive match interest indication, a match may be created between thepair of users having indicated mutual positive match interestindications in each other.

In some implementations, after a match is created, a next interactionbetween the two users of the match is required to be through aqualifying video chat or in regards thereto, such as the initiation orthe scheduling of the qualifying video chat. As such, in someimplementations, a limited communication between the pair of matchedusers regarding the initiation or the scheduling of the qualifying videochat may be facilitated. A user account management module and match andconnection management module may facilitate a controlled communicationbetween the pair of matched users comprising a qualifying video chat,wherein the two users attempt to successfully complete a qualifyingvideo chat, wherein a successfully completed qualifying video chat maybe referred to as a qualified video chat, and an unsuccessful qualifyingvideo chat may be referred to as a failed video chat. In someimplementations, there may be a requirement to video chat within a timewindow, which can also be referred to as a chat time window, wherein atime window may commence at a time in relation to the creation of amatch, such as the time a match is created. In some implementations, ifa chat time window requirement is not met, then the match may expire ormay be otherwise inactivated upon the expiration of the chat timewindow. In some implementations, there may be a requirement for aqualifying video chat time duration to exceed a minimum qualificationtime, thereby satisfying a qualification requirement, to be determinedas successful and become a qualified video chat, and those not meetingthe minimum qualification time may thus be determined to be failed videochats. In some implementations, a facilitation of controlledcommunication may include a plurality of facilitating functions, such asnotifications and review capabilities by users of their matches,management of match expirations with respect to their respective chattime windows, scheduling and review capabilities by users of theirscheduled video chats, hosting of, or controlling a host of, the videochats and determinations of success or failure of meeting qualificationrequirements of qualifying video chats. In some implementations, uponcompletion of a successful qualifying video chat, namely, a qualifiedvideo chat, each of the two users of the pair of matched users whichengaged in the qualified video chat may provide a second interestindication regarding the other user, wherein the second interestindication may be a positive connection interest indication or anegative connection interest indication regarding their interest infurther communication with the other user. If there is mutual positiveinterest thereby resulting in mutual positive connection interestindications, wherein the latter occurring of the two may be referred toas a reciprocal positive connection interest indication, a connectionmay be created between the two users and further communication may beenabled, wherein they may be able to communicate with each other in anongoing fashion.

In some implementations a user account management module may manage userinteraction with a user services and policies module and allow users ofthe connection system to request or access user assistance and othersupport services, such as to address questions regarding systemfunctionality and services, and to access and report policy rules andconcerns. In some implementations data services may provide data storageand access thereto for data, such as data including, user account data,user profile data, user interest indication data, match data, video chatdata, connection data, user policy data and user services data.

A detailed disclosure of various example implementations which mayrelate to one or more aspects of the foregoing summary disclosure isprovided following a brief description of the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a furtherunderstanding of the disclosed subject matter, are incorporated in andconstitute a part of this specification. The drawings also illustrateexample implementations of the disclosed subject matter and togetherwith the detailed description serve to explain the principles of thedisclosed subject matter.

FIG. 1A is a system diagram of an example implementation of a connectionsystem.

FIG. 1B is a block diagram of an example implementation of anapplication services system of the connection system of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1C is a block diagram of an example implementation of a smartphonedevice usable with the connection system of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1D is a diagram of example components of a device comprised by orusable with the connection system of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of an example process implementation of theconnection system of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 3A is an example implementation of a user purchases table.

FIG. 3B is an example implementation of a match and connection table.

FIG. 3C is an example implementation of a feature/service table.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various detailed example implementations of a connection method andsystem are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that thedisclosed implementation are merely illustrative and may be embodied invarious forms. In addition, each of the examples given in connectionwith the various implementations is intended to be illustrative, and notrestrictive.

The following detailed example implementations refer to the accompanyingdrawings. The same reference number may appear in multiple drawings andwhen appearing in multiple drawings will identify the same or similarelements. For brevity, a reference number and its referenced elementwill be disclosed in accompanying text herein and generally in relationto a first appearance in the drawings, but may not be explicitlyreferred to in accompanying text again when appearing in subsequentdrawings.

System Configuration

A connection method and system as disclosed herein may comprise aplurality of user accounts and a server based application servicessystem that may be in communication with a plurality of user devices,such as a smartphone, which may comprise a connection application forinteracting with a connection method and system and/or may access aconnection application comprised by a connection system, therebyproviding access to a plurality of user accounts by a plurality ofusers. In some implementations, the connection application is a datingapplication which facilitates connections and dating between users.Referring to FIG. 1A, a system diagram of an example implementation of aconnection system 100 is shown. Connection system 100 comprisesapplication services system 110, such as a server based systemcomprising one or more servers, software and data services comprisingone or more databases, and may be a cloud-based system. Connectionsystem 100 may further comprise a plurality of user devices 140, 150 and160 enabling a plurality of users to interact with the connection system100 via a network 170 comprising a plurality of communications links174, 175, 176 and 171 providing a networked communicationsinterconnection of user devices 140, 150 and 160 to application servicessystem 110, wherein links 174, 175, 176 and 171 are also respectivelycomprised by user devices 140, 150 and 160 and system 110. The pluralityof user devices 140, 150 and 160 may be of various types of user deviceswhich are capable of real time video chat communication by a deviceuser, and communication over communication network 170 and communicationlinks 174, 175 and 176, and are shown in FIG. 1 A as illustrativeexamples as a smartphone 140, a tablet 150 and a computer 160.

Application Services

FIG. 1B is a block diagram of an example implementation of anapplication services system 110 of connection system 100 of FIG. 1A, andillustrates functions and services of system 110 organized intoapplication software modules and data services accessible via acommunications interface module. FIG. 1B depicts one of many possibleways to organize application software into various software modules anddata services, and may reside on one or more servers, devices,cloud-based systems or a combination thereof In some implementations,application services system 110 may comprise an application servicessystems interface 112, such as an application programming interface(API) or application services interface module, data services 114, auser account management module 116, a user services and policies module120, a user profiles management module 124, a candidate matching andselection module 128 and a match and connection management module 132,wherein applications services systems interface 112, data services 114and modules 116, 120, 124, 128 and 132 may operate on one or moreservers (not shown in FIG. 2) and/or may operate on a cloud-based system(not shown in FIG. 2). As shown in FIG. 1B, in some implementationsmatch and connection management module 132 may comprise a usercommunications controller 134 which may control and/or hostcommunications and/or control a host of communications to facilitatecommunications between users, such as qualifying video chats betweenmatched users, controlled communications between matched users regardinga video chat, ongoing communications between connected users and thelike. Also referring to FIG. 1A, using a user device, such as smartphone140, tablet 150 or computer 160, a user may connect to applicationservices systems interface 112 of application services system 110 overnetwork 170 and communications links 171, 174, 175 and 176, and interactwith user account management module 116. User account management module116 may provide for management and control of a plurality of useraccounts. A user may enroll and create a user account within connectionsystem 100 and interact with their user account by so accessing useraccount management module 116. User account management module 116 mayoperate in conjunction with data services 114 to maintain dataassociated with a plurality of user accounts.

User Account Management

In some implementations, when enrolling in connection system 100, a usermay access user account management module 116 to create a user accountand establish login credentials which may then be used for ongoingsecure access to their user account. In some implementations, useraccount management module 116 may be configured to additionally oralternatively be responsive to a third party authentication service forsecure user login, wherein a user may establish login capability bylogging in through a third party service such as logging in through aGoogle account, a Facebook account or other third party serviceproviding such authentication services. In some implementations, use ofsuch third party authentication services may provide access to certaindata and information associated with a user and comprised by the thirdparty service, such as for example, possible access to a user's one ormore email addresses, the user's birthday, the user's gender, userphotos, user videos, user social contacts and other data and informationassociated with the user which, when accessed by the connection system100, may reduce the amount of data and information requiring entry bythe user when creating or updating a user account. Additionally, theuser may avoid the need to create and remember an additional set oflogin credentials required for logging into connection service 100. Insome implementations the login process may include an additional, one ormore, authentication steps, such as in two-factor authentication ormulti-factor authentication, wherein an additional one or moreauthentication steps beyond a submitting of a username and password arerequired to complete the account login process. Such additionalauthentication steps could comprise the sending of a single or limiteduse code via one or more communication methods comprising emailing, textmessaging, such as an SMS messaging, and voice messaging wherein thesingle or limited use code must be entered as an additional step in thelogin process. Such additional authentication steps could alternatively,or additionally, comprise biometric measures such as a fingerprintreading or facial image reading of a user, wherein the reading isaccomplished in conjunction with a user device, and the result of thereading may then be compared with a prior reading stored within dataservices 114 to authenticate an entity attempting to login and therebymake a determination whether to grant login and access to a user accountcomprised by system 100.

User Profiles Management

In some implementations user account management module 116 may furthermanage user interaction with user profiles management module 124 whereina new user may create a user profile associated with their user accountand an existing user may edit a previously created and stored userprofile comprised by data services 114. A user profile may compriseimages of the user and other information related to the user, such asthe user's age, primary location, general location, current location,favorite song, favorite musician, favorite genre of music, favoritemovie, favorite genre of movie, favorite TV show, favoriteactor/actress, favorite book, favorite author, favorite restaurant,favorite cuisine, favorite travel destination, hobbies, interests, andthe like. In some implementations, user profiles may comprise numerousdetails about users, and in some implementations user profiles may belimited in the amount of details. In some implementations, user profilesmay be created or updated, at least in part, by connection system 100accessing user information comprised by a third party system, such associal networking system, wherein such access is available with theassociated user's provision of necessary permissions for such access. Insome implementations, the third party system may be provisioned as athird party authentication service for user login to the connectionsystem, wherein the third party authentication service provides suchaccess to usable information related to the user. In suchimplementations where system 100 accesses third party information to atleast in part create or update user profiles, the user may review, editand complete information as necessary in addition to connection system100 populating user profile information retrieved from third partysystems.

Candidate Matching and Selection

Users may receive candidate matches comprising the user profiles ofother users, or portions thereof, which are of potential interest andmake determinations of their further interest, or lack thereof, in theusers associated with each of the received candidate matches. A userassociated with a received candidate match may be referred to as acandidate match user. A user receiving a candidate match may be referredto as a receiving user. User account management module 116 may receivefrom a user a user request to receive candidate matches of other usersrepresented by their user profiles, or portions thereof, withinconnection system 100. In order to receive candidate matches ofpotential interest, users may specify filtering, selecting and matchingcriteria, such as for example, age, range of age, gender, location,range of proximity to a location, interests, hobbies, and the like,wherein such criteria may be called match settings and be used to filtera pool of match candidates from the overall population of user profilescomprised by data services 114 and connection system 100. In someimplementations, user account management module 116 manages interactionwith candidate matching and selection module 128 such that a user mayspecify such match settings, where the match settings may be associatedwith their user account and/or user profile and stored for laterretrieval in data services 114 for use when a user submits a request forcandidate matches to select a pool of candidate matches meeting, atleast in part, match settings specified by the user. In someimplementations, a user may specify match setting in conjunction with arequest for candidate matches. The user may then consider user profilesfrom the pool of candidate matches and provide a positive match interestindication or a negative match interest indication regarding theirinterest in each of the candidate matches they consider, therebyproviding a positive interest indication for those candidate matcheswithin the pool of received candidate matches with which they haveinterest in exploring a connection. In some implementations, during theprocess of specifying match settings, the user may be presented with anindication of the size of the pool of candidate matches that are atleast in part associated with the match settings. Such an indication maybe indicated in exact or approximate numbers or ranges of numbers, or beexpressed in general terms indicating an issue of too many topractically be reviewed and considered, or too few match candidatesindicating little to none to review and consider, with guidance toincrease or reduce the specificity of match settings (filter criteria)to accordingly attempt to correct the issue. In some implementations,the pool of match candidates may be prioritized for presentation to theuser in an order representing, at least in part, a degree of correlationbetween the candidate match profiles and the user match settings. Insome implementations, the order of presentation to the user may be anorder in which the candidate matches were retrieved. In someimplementations other criteria may be used to order the candidatematches for presentation, such as, recent match activity associated withthe candidate match, recent match activity of the requesting user withcandidate matches of similar or specific criteria correlation, candidatematch length of time in the connection system, candidate match length oftime since last match or qualified connection, etc. Two users ofconnection system 100 may request, consider and provide match interestindications in candidate matches, such that they each receive the otheruser's user profile, and indicate a positive match interest in the otheruser, thereby resulting in mutual positive match interest indications,wherein the latter occurring of the two may be referred to as areciprocal positive match interest indication. Upon a reciprocalpositive match interest indication, a match is created between the twousers having indicated mutual positive match interest indications ineach other and thereby expressing interest in exploring a connectiontherebetween.

Match and Connection Management

In some implementations, after a match is created, the next interactionbetween the two users of the match is required to be through aqualifying video chat, or in regards thereto, such as the initiation orscheduling of the qualifying video chat. As such, in someimplementations a limited communication between the two users regardingthe initiation or scheduling of the qualifying video chat may befacilitated. User account management module 116, may manage userinteraction with match and connection management 132, which may comprisea user communication controller 134, and may collectively facilitate acontrolled communication between a pair of users having expressed mutualpositive match interest indications and thereby creating a matchtherebetween. Such controlled communication may comprise a qualifyingvideo chat, wherein the two users attempt to successfully complete aqualifying video chat, wherein a successfully completed qualifying videochat may be referred to as a qualified video chat, and an unsuccessfulqualifying video chat may be referred to as a failed video chat. In someimplementations, there may be a requirement to video chat within a chattime window, wherein a time window may commence at a time in relation tothe creation of a match, such as the time a match is created. In someimplementations, if a video chat time window requirement is not met,then the match may expire or may be otherwise inactivated upon theexpiration of the chat time window. In some implementations, there maybe a requirement for a qualifying video chat time duration to exceed aminimum qualification time, thereby satisfying a qualificationrequirement, for the qualifying video chat to be determined assuccessful and become a qualified video chat, and those not meeting theminimum qualification time may thus be determined to be failed videochats. In some implementations, the requirement to be satisfied for aqualified video chat may be that each user engaged in a qualifying videochat indicate that the video chat meets their approval for a qualifiedvideo chat. In some implementations, a facilitation of controlledcommunication may include a plurality of facilitating functions whichmay be provided by match and connection management module 132 and inpart by user communication controller 134, such as, notifications andreview capabilities by users of their matches, management of matchexpirations with respect to their respective chat time windows,scheduling and review capabilities by users of their scheduled videochats, hosting of, or controlling a host of, the video chats anddeterminations of success or failure of meeting qualificationrequirements of qualifying video chats.

In some embodiments, communication regarding scheduling of video chatsmay be restricted by match and connection management module 132 and inpart by user communication controller 134, to preset phrases andcalendar/day/time selections in order to limit and control what may becommunicated between matched users. In some implementations upon areciprocal positive match interest indication resulting in a match, aprompt may be displayed on a user device to immediately attempt aqualifying video chat and/or to attempt to schedule a qualifying videochat, and be displayed in conjunction with the notice that the match hasbeen created. In some implementations a match notification may beadditionally sent to the other user of the pair of matched usersinforming the other user that the match has been created, and mayadditionally prompt the other user to immediately attempt a qualifyingvideo chat and/or to attempt to schedule a qualifying video chat. Insome implementations users may check to see all pending matches withintheir account, review if and when a qualifying video chat is scheduledand determine if any matches are at risk of expiration due to anexpiring chat time window. For example, a list of one or more matcheswhich may be pending may be displayed in a scrollable list on a userdevice, each match including, for example, a “head shot” image and auser name, both as may be associated with a user profile of the matcheduser, an indicator of time remaining prior to an expiration of a chattime window associated with the match, and an indication of a schedulingstatus regarding a qualifying video chat associated with the match. Insome implementations, one or more matches may be shown with anindication of current availability status of the matched user, such asfor example, a green indicator bordering an image of the matched user toindicate the matched user may be presently available for a video chat, ayellow border to indicate the matched user may be presently busy or noborder to indicate an unknown availability status. In someimplementations, a user may indicate their current availability througha setting within their account comprised by system 100 which may then beshown to other users with which they are currently matched. In someimplementations a limit on the number of new matches which may beacquired over a period of time, day, number of days or the like, may beimposed. In some implementations a limit of currently active matches,wherein active match means not yet expired or converted to a qualifiedconnection, may be imposed.

As noted, match and connection management module 132 and usercommunication controller 134 may facilitate controlled communicationcomprising the required qualifying video chat and the associatedqualification process. In some implementations, facilitation ofcontrolled communication may include additional functions, such as videochat rescheduling, video chat reattempts, video chat time windowextension requests, upcoming scheduled video chat alerts, and tests andwarnings for poor communications connections associated with animpending or recently initiated video chat. As such, in someimplementations users may attempt to reschedule a pending qualifyingvideo chat. Furthermore, match and connection management 132 and usercommunication controller 134 may facilitate a video chat between twousers comprising a match by providing alerts and reminders to users whenscheduled video chats are imminent. Additionally, in someimplementations the wireless connection signal strength and quality maybe assessed in advance of the video chat to determine if it issufficient to provide an effective video chat of sufficient anticipatedquality. If not, the user may then take action to improve the connectionprior to the video chat, such as, move to a location with betterreception or switch from a WAN to a wireless LAN connection or viceversa, or attempt to reschedule the video chat until a better connectionmay be available. In some implementations, upon completion of asuccessful qualifying video chat, namely, a qualified video chat, eachof the two users may provide a second interest indication (the firstinterest indication being a match interest indication) regarding theother user, wherein the second interest indication may be a positiveconnection interest indication or a negative connection interestindication regarding their interest in ongoing communication with theother user. If there is mutual positive interest thereby resulting inmutual positive connection interest indications, wherein the latteroccurring of the two may be referred to as a reciprocal positiveconnection interest indication, a connection may be created between thetwo users and further communication may be enabled wherein match andconnection management module 132 and user communication controller 134,enable the two connected users to communicate with each other in anongoing fashion.

User Services and policies

User account management module 116 may manage user interaction with userservices and policies module 120 and thereby may allow users ofconnection system 100 to request and/or access user assistance and othersupport services, such as to ask questions regarding systemfunctionality and services, and to access and report policy rules andconcerns. In some embodiments, user services and policies module 120 mayalso allow users to report policy infractions and other concerningbehavior of other users such that a user based policing procedure may besupported. For example, in some implementations, users may beautomatically blocked from use upon a given number, such as three,reports being submitted regarding their policy infractions or concerningbehavior. A blocked user may then have to successfully appeal to bereinstated to use of the system.

Data Services

Data services 114 may provide data storage and access thereto for datain one or more databases, such as for example, user account data, userprofile data, user interest indication data, match data, video chatdata, scheduling data, time window data, connection data, user policydata, user services data and the like.

User Devices

FIG. 1C depicts a block diagram of an example implementation and of asmartphone device 140 usable with connection system 100 of FIG. 1A.Smartphone device 140 may comprise an application services mobile appinterface 142, application logic and workflow 144, platform services anddevices 146 and a user interface 148. FIG. 1C depicts one of manypossible ways to organize and represent interfaces, software, servicesand devices that may reside on a user device such as smartphone 140.Also referring to FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B, application logic and workflow144 may provide for management and control of user interaction with auser's smartphone device 140 and a user's user account comprised byconnection system 100 via applications services mobile app interface 142which may be connected to application services systems interface 112 ofapplication services system 110 over network 170 and communication links174 and 171. Un some implementations, application logic and workflow 144may control user interface 148 to display information, such as forexample, a user account status, a menu of available user operations,candidate matches, matches, pending video chats, communications and thelike. Application logic and workflow 144 may receive user input fromuser interface 148, such as for example, a user selection from a menu ofavailable user operations, a user match interest indication regarding acandidate match, a user request for a video chat with a match, a userconnection interest indication regarding a match after a qualified videochat therewith and the like. Application logic and workflow 144 mayaccess platform services and devices 146 to interact with a plurality ofplatform services and devices 146 of smartphone device 140, such as,cameras, audio speakers/headphones, geo location services, sensors,computing resources, data storage and access resources, devicecommunications, user text communications, user voice communications,user video communications and the like. While FIG. 1C is illustrated anddiscussed in conjunction with smartphone device 140, various userdevices capable of real time video chat communication by a device user,and communication over communication network 170 and communication links174, 175 and 176 may be used to interact with connection system 100,such as smartphones 140, tablets 150 and computers 160.

FIG. 1D is an example illustration depicting a diagram of examplecomponents of a device 180, wherein the device may correspond to varioususer devices, such as user devices 140, 150 and 160 discussed abovewhich enable users to interact with application services system 110.Device 180 may correspond to one or more devices comprised byapplication services system 110, such as one or more servers thereof andmay correspond to one or more devices comprised by a cloud-based systempotentially comprising application services system 110 and potentiallycomprising application services system 110 in part. In someimplementations, application services system 110 and user devices 140,150 and 160 may include one or more devices 180 and/or one or morecomponents of device 180.

Bus 181 includes a component that permits communication among thecomponents of device 180. Processor 182 may be implemented in hardware,firmware, or a combination of hardware and firmware. Processor 182includes a processor (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), a graphicsprocessing unit (GPU), and/or an accelerated processing unit (APU)), amicroprocessor, a microcontroller, and/or any processing component(e.g., a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) and/or anapplication-specific integrated circuit (ASIC)) that interprets and/orexecutes instructions. In some implementations, processor 182 includesone or more processors capable of being programmed to perform afunction. Memory 183 includes a random access memory (RAM), a read onlymemory (ROM), and/or another type of dynamic or static storage device(e.g., a flash memory, a magnetic memory, and/or an optical memory) thatstores information and/or instructions for use by processor 182.

Storage component 184 stores information and/or software related to theoperation and use of device 180. For example, storage component 184 mayinclude a hard disk (e.g., a magnetic disk, an optical disk, amagneto-optic disk, and/or a solid state disk), a compact disc (CD), adigital versatile disc (DVD), a floppy disk, a cartridge, a magnetictape, and/or another type of non-transitory computer-readable medium,along with a corresponding drive.

Input component 185 includes a component that permits device 180 toreceive information, such as via user input (e.g., a touch screendisplay, a keyboard, a keypad, a mouse, a button, a switch, and/or amicrophone). Additionally, or alternatively, input component 185 mayinclude a sensor for sensing information (e.g., a global positioningsystem (GPS) component, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, and/or anactuator). Output component 186 includes a component that providesoutput information from device 180 (e.g., a display, a speaker, and/orone or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs)).

Communication interface 187 includes a transceiver-like component (e.g.,a transceiver and/or a separate receiver and transmitter) that enablesdevice 180 to communicate with other devices, such as via a wiredconnection, a wireless connection, or a combination of wired andwireless connections. Communication interface 187 may permit device 180to receive information from another device and/or provide information toanother device. For example, communication interface 187 may include anEthernet interface, an optical interface, a coaxial interface, aninfrared interface, a radio frequency (RF) interface, a universal serialbus (USB) interface, a Wi-Fi interface, a cellular network interface, orthe like.

Device 180 may perform one or more processes described herein. Device180 may perform these processes in response to processor 182 executingsoftware instructions stored by a non-transitory computer-readablemedium, such as memory 183 and/or storage component 184. Acomputer-readable medium is defined herein as a non-transitory memorydevice. A memory device includes memory space within a single physicalstorage device or memory space spread across multiple physical storagedevices. In some implementations, a memory device may be cloud-based,partially cloud-based, or not cloud-based.

Software instructions may be read into memory 183 and/or storagecomponent 184 from another computer-readable medium or from anotherdevice via communication interface 187. When executed, softwareinstructions stored in memory 183 and/or storage component 184 may causeprocessor 182 to perform one or more processes described herein.Additionally, or alternatively, hardwired circuitry may be used in placeof or in combination with software instructions to perform one or moreprocesses described herein. Thus, implementations described herein arenot limited to any specific combination of hardware circuitry andsoftware.

The number and arrangement of components shown in FIG. 1D are providedas an example. In practice, device 180 may include additionalcomponents, fewer components, different components, or differentlyarranged components than those shown in FIG. 1D. Additionally, oralternatively, a set of components (e.g., one or more components) ofdevice 180 may perform one or more functions described as beingperformed by another set of components of device 180.

Match and Connection Process Flow

Referring to FIG. 2, a flow diagram of an example connection process 200implementation of connection system 100 of FIG. 1A is shown, whereinprocess 200 facilitates communication between two users, User A and UserB, and may establish a connection therebetween. In the exampleimplementation depicted, process 200 may be initiated when a candidatematch request from a user, such as User A, is received in step 202. Alsoreferring to FIG. 1A, FIG. 1B and FIG. 1C, the candidate match requestmay originate from User A in operation of a user device such as asmartphone 140, a tablet 150 or a computer 160 and be received byapplication services system 110. For purposes of this illustrativediscussion, process 200 will be further described with the example ofUser A using a smartphone 140. In some implementations, a candidatematch request may be indicated and initiated by User A as a menuselection using user interface 148 and processed by application logicand workflow 144, which then sends the candidate match request toapplication service systems interface 112 of application services system110 via application services mobile app interface 142 overcommunications network 170 and communications links 174 and 171, whereinongoing system interaction between smartphone 140 and applicationservices system 110 may similarly occur through systems interface 112and mobile app interface 142. In some implementations, a candidate matchrequest may include filtering criteria, also referred to as matchsettings, about candidate matches as specified by User A. The matchsettings may include geographical location (e.g., within 1 mile of UserA's location, etc.), gender, age, and the like. In some implementations,a candidate request may not include match settings and such matchsettings may have been previously stored in data services 114 andassociated with a user account of User A and are accessible byapplication services system 110 which has received the candidate matchrequest in step 202.

Generally, a pool, e.g. a set, of candidate matches consistent, at leastin part, with the match settings may then be generated. A pool ofcandidate matches may be generated by candidate matching and selectionmodule 128 from a larger group of user profiles stored in and accessiblefrom data services 114 within application services system 110 whichreceived User A's request for candidate matches. Candidate matching andselection module 128 may determine a set of candidate matches whichmatch, at least is part, match settings as specified by User A from dataservices 114 and send one or more candidate matches (assuming in thisexample that the set comprises at least one) to the user smartphonedevice 140 via user account management module 116 and systems interface112, mobile app interface 142, communication network 170 andcommunications links 171 and 174 as previously described regarding suchongoing user interaction with application services system 110. Asillustrated by example process 200, after receipt of User A's request atstep 202, a profile of a candidate match User B, such that the profileof User B matches, at least in part, the match settings specified byUser A, may be retrieved and transmitted to User A at step 204. User Ais given the ability to review and consider the User B profile on userinterface 148 and decide if they have interest in further communicationwith User B. This decision occurs at step 206. Such interest may beindicated in a number of ways. For example, in this exampleimplementation, User A is communicating via a smartphone device 140comprising a touch screen, and User A may indicate interest in a numberof potential ways depending on various possible implementations, suchas, by performing a swiping gesture on the touch screen, tapping a setamount of times on the touch screen, or touching a specific portion ofthe touch screen. If User A indicates a negative match interestindication, namely, that they are not interested in furthercommunication with User B, no communication is allowed in step 208.

If in step 206 User A indicates a positive match interest indication,namely, an interest in further communication with User B, a systemgenerated query is then made in step 210 to determine if User B hasalready considered User A, such that User B has already made a similarrequest for candidate matches, received User A's profile as a candidatematch in response and provided an indication if they have or do not haveinterest in further communication with User A. The system query may begenerated upon application logic and workflow 144 communicating User A'spositive match interest indication in User B to application servicessystem 110 via application services mobile app interface 142,communication network 170, communication links 174 and 171, toapplication services systems interface 112 of application servicessystem 110 as previously described regarding such ongoing systeminteraction. If User B has not yet considered User A then User A'sinterest in User B is recorded in step 214 and the process flows to step208 where no communication is allowed between User A and User B, sinceUser B has yet to consider User A and has not indicated a positive matchinterest indication therein. Should User B indicate such interest at alater time, a match would then be created according to the resultingreciprocal positive match interest indication between User A and User B.

If User B has already considered User A in step 210, the processcontinues to step 212 where if User B indicated negative interest infurther communication with User A the process proceeds to step 208 whereno communication between User A and User B is allowed. If in step 212User B has already indicated positive interest in further communicationwith User A resulting in a reciprocal positive match interest indicationby User A in step 206, then the process may create a match between UserA and User B and attempt to facilitate a video chat therebetween in step216. In some implementations, user account management module 116 andcandidate matching and selection module 128 may record the match betweenUser A and User B in data services 114, and communicate the match toUser A's smartphone device 140 for display on user interface 148. Insome implementations, there may be a requirement to video chat within achat time window associated with the creation of a match, wherein if thevideo chat time window requirement is not met in step 218, then theprocess proceed to step 208 and further communication is not enabled. Insome implementations, the match may expire or may be otherwiseinactivated upon the expiration of the chat time window. In someimplementations, after a match is created in step 216, a nextinteraction between User A and User B is required to be through aqualifying video chat, or in regards thereto, such as the initiation orscheduling of the qualifying video chat. In some implementations alimited communication between User A and User B regarding initiating orscheduling of the qualifying video chat may be facilitated. In someimplementations a prompt may be displayed on user interface 148 to UserA to immediately attempt a qualifying video chat and/or to attempt toschedule a qualifying video chat in conjunction with the notice that thematch with User B has been created. In some implementations anotification may be similarly sent to User B notifying User B that thematch has been created with User A, and may similarly prompt User B toimmediately attempt a qualifying video chat and/or to attempt toschedule a qualifying video chat. In some implementations User A andUser B may check to see all pending matches within their accounts, andreview if and when a qualifying video chat is scheduled. In someimplementations User A and User B may attempt to reschedule a pendingqualifying video chat.

In example process 200 implementation, User A and User B mayindependently receive each the other's user profile. In someimplementations, a user's indication of positive interest in a candidatematch may be an express positive match interest indication and initiatea sending of the indicating user's profile for express presentation to,and consideration by, the candidate match. For example, following UserA's indication of an express positive interest in User B in step 206 andthen after determining in step 210 that User B has not alreadyconsidered User A, User A's profile may be sent to User B, wherein thenext time User B interacts with connection system 100, User B mayconsider User A's profile and indicate whether or not they areinterested in further communication with User A. In such animplementation, step 214 may comprise both a recording of User A'sinterest in User B and a sending of User A's profile to User B forconsideration. When not considering this potential process flow whereUser B may be sent User A's profile in response to User A indicating anexpress positive match interest indication in User B, steps 210 and 212may potentially be implemented as one step wherein a prior indication ofUser B′s positive match interest indication directs the process to step216 where a match is created, and no such prior indication of positiveinterest, meaning either User B has not yet considered User A or User Bhas considered User A and indicated negative interest, the processproceeds to step 214 where User A′s interest is noted and then to step208 where communication between User A and User B is not allowed.

As noted earlier, in some implementations there may be a requirement tovideo chat within a chat time window associated with the creation of amatch. This is shown in step 218, where if the video chat has notoccurred within the chat time window, the process proceeds to step 208and communication is not allowed. In some implementations, the two usersare not required to initiate a video chat within a chat time window(i.e., step 218 simply waits for the two users to engage in a videochat). In some implementations, the later receipt of positive interestfrom either User A or User B begins the time period (i.e., begins thechat time window) to video chat with one another. User A and User B maybe required to video chat within an amount of time that is more than 5minutes or more than 10 minutes or more than 30 minutes or more than 1hour or more than 5 hours or more than 1 day or more than 2 days or morethan 1 week upon receipt of both users' positive interest. In someimplementations, User A and User B are required to video chat withinthree days of receipt of both users' positive interest. FIG. 2 depictsthis process in step 218. In some implementations, if the users areunable to video chat with one another within the time period (i.e., chattime window), they each may be offered an ability to try to video chatwith one another again. In some implementations, each user may again beoffered a chance to video chat one or more than one (e.g., two, three,four, five, six, ten, etc.) times. In such implementations where theusers are unable to video chat with one another within the time periodand are offered a subsequent chance, a new chat time window may beestablished and the process may return to step 216 where an attempt tofacilitate a video chat is reattempted.

In some implementations, in order for a connection to be possible, it isrequired that User A and User B engage in a qualifying video chat and aqualification requirements of a qualifying video chat be met, such as, atime duration of the qualifying video chat must exceed a minimumrequired video chat qualification time. If User A and User B havesatisfied a requirement to video chat within the chat time window instep 218 (or in the implementation where step 218 simply waits for thetwo users to engage in a video chat), the process proceeds to step 222where in some implementations, a check is made to see if a time durationof the qualifying video chat meets a minimum video chat time requiredfor qualification in order for a video chat to be a qualified videochat. In some implementations, the requirement to be satisfied for aqualified video chat may be that each user engaged in a qualifying videochat indicate that the video chat meets their approval for a qualifiedvideo chat. The video chat between User A and User B may occur with eachuser operating a user device, such as, smartphone 140, tablet 150 orcomputer 160 having the requisite camera, microphone, audio device (orvoice to text may alternatively be employed for hearing challengedusers), display, and communication capability required to transmit andreceive video from the other user. In some implementations, each user'sdevice may be independently selected from a smartphone, a tablet, apersonal computer, a gaming console, or a laptop. In someimplementations, the video stream communications, namely, the videochats, may be controlled by communications controller 134 of match andconnection management module 132 of application services system 110. Forexample, user communications controller 134 may control video streams ofa video chat exchanged between two user devices using a communicationssignaling protocol, such as Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) asdescribed in part in RFC 3261, July 2002, wherein the two user devicesare direct endpoints for each video stream (namely, a stream to and astream from each user device). In some implementations, usercommunications control 134 may alternatively or additionally host andrelay video streams of a video chat (effectively transmitted through thehost) exchanged between to user devices. In some implementations, usercommunications controller 134 when hosting (relaying) may further beconfigured to record relayed video streams (i.e., record video chats).In some implementations another remote device may provide for acontrolled video chat communication under control by user communicationcontroller 134 of match and connection management module 132 ofapplication services system 110 and may be employed as an additionalservice or an alternative video chat communication service. As usedherein, a remote device that may provide for a controlled video chatcommunication under control by user communications controller 134 ofmatch and connection management module 132 of application servicessystem 110 is any remote host which may provide a video chat betweenUser A and User B in a controlled manner and under the control ofapplication services system 100.

In some implementations, the time duration of the video chat may be usedto determine if it is a qualified video chat and a connection andfurther communication between User A and User B is possible. In FIG. 2,this is illustrated in step 222. If the users do not video chat for arequired minimum amount of time they may be offered the ability to tryto video chat again at step 232, following an indication of suchinterest in step 230. As such, in some implementations, when the videochat does not meet a minimum length (e.g., more than a minute, more thanfive minutes, more than 10 minutes, etc.), each user will be facilitatedwith the opportunity to attempt a reattempt video chat, as depicted instep 234. In some implementations the second and subsequent video chatrequirement is the same amount of video chat time as required for thefirst video chat requirement. In some implementations, each user may beallowed to set their own amount of required time for video chat. Suchallowance may be offered at step 230 and/or step 234. Additionally oralternatively, in some implementations, the match settings may comprisea required and/or suggested length of video chat time for which toscreen or filter the pool of candidate matches. In some implementations,further communication (including SMS text messages, voice calls, emails,video chat, etc.) will not be permitted between User A and User B untilthe minimum time for video chat is met (e.g., a set time of 5 minutes, aset time of 10 minutes, the longest time set by User A or User B, etc.).This step of not permitting further communication is illustrated in FIG.2 as step 208. In some implementations, the minimum time for video chatis between 1 minute and 15 minutes (e.g., between 3 minutes and 10minutes, between 4 minutes and 6 minutes, 5 minutes, 10 minutes, etc.).In some implementations, users are not allowed further communicationuntil the minimum time for video chat is met or exceeded by the combinedtotal amount of video chat time durations of discrete video chatsbetween users and may include interrupted video chats. In certainimplementations, the users are not allowed further communication untilthe minimum time for video chat is met or exceeded by the time durationof a single of video chat (i.e., interrupted, discrete video chatsbetween users). The user's display, such as that of user interface 148,displaying the video chat for each user may comprise a timer displayinga time length of the video chat overlaid over a portion of the videobeing displayed to each user. In some implementations, the display timermay change to indicate that the required length of the video chat hasbeen met. In certain implementations, the display timer changes from onecolor (e.g., red, etc.) to another color (e.g., green, etc.) once theminimum time for video chat has occurred.

Upon completion of a successful qualifying video chat, namely, aqualified video chat, each of the two users may provide a secondinterest indication in step 224 regarding the other user, wherein thesecond interest indication may be a positive connection interestindication or a negative connection interest indication regarding theirinterest in establishing a connection enabling ongoing communicationwith the other user. If in step 226 one or both express a negativeinterest, the process proceeds to step 208 where communication is notallowed. If in step 226 there is mutual positive interest therebyresulting in mutual positive connection interest indications, aqualified connection is created between the two users wherein they areenabled to communicate with each other in an ongoing fashion in step228.

Enhanced Services, Pay-Per-Use Services and Paid Subscription BasedServices

In the foregoing disclosure, implementations a connection system andmethod may comprise and facilitate a process of matching users and asubsequent process of connecting users through qualifying video chats.Referring again to FIG. 1B, in various implementations, a connectionsystem may offer various enhanced services, wherein candidate matchingand selection module 128 may comprise enhanced candidate matchingservices; match and connection management module 132 may compriseenhanced match and connection management services which may compriseenhanced scheduling services and enhanced video chat services; and userservices and policies module 120 may comprise enhanced user services andpolicies, wherein user services may comprise user coaching services anduser policies may comprise advanced policy enforcement features.Enhanced video chat services may comprise enhanced qualifying video chatservices and additional video chat services, such as group video chatservices provided as social interaction events.

In some implementations, a connection system may generate revenuethrough sales of advertising presented to users of the connectionsystem. In some implementations a connection system may alternatively oradditionally generate revenue through services provided to and paid forby users of the connection system on a per use basis and/or a limitedtime basis. In some implementations, a connection system mayalternatively or additionally generate revenue by users subscribing to apaid subscription to the connection system, such as a premium servicessubscription, wherein users are motivated to subscribe by services theymay desire which are otherwise provided only to users on a paid per usebasis or through such a paid subscription. When a particular service maybe desirable to a large population of users, yet carries additionalsystem overhead and costs, offering the service as a pay-per-use featureallows an operator of a connection system to potentially generateadditional revenues and to potentially cover costs associated with theuse of the service. Grouping a set of services that are not mandatory touse the connection service, but are desirable to a set of users, may beoffered as part of a subscription service, thereby allowing an operatorof the connection system to potentially generate additional revenues andto potentially cover costs associated with the use of the set ofservices. An operator of a connection system may determine that varioussubscription packages comprising differing services and potentiallyoffered at different prices may influence a higher subscription rateand/or higher subscription revenues. In an implementation, subscriptionpackages may also be offered as a way for users to use the connectionsystem free of advertisements or with fewer advertisements in lieu ofsubscription fees paid for use of the system. An operator of aconnection service may determine that making some enhanced services partof a basic free offering may encourage a higher level of enrollment anduse such that overall revenues are increased. Additionally, an operatorof a connection service may choose to make some enhanced servicesavailable solely on a pay-per-use basis. While various enhanced servicesof various implementations disclosed in the following discussion may bedescribed in terms of pay-per-use access and/or subscription basedaccess, they may alternatively be offered in implementations whereinthey are offered as part of a basic free connection service offering.Table 1 below is an example implementation depicting how fourfeatures/services may be made available across three example plans (nosubscription and tier 1 and tier 2 subscription plans), and on apay-per-use basis. Advertising is also shown in table 1.

TABLE 1 Example Implementation of Feature and Service AvailabilityIncluding Advertising Feature/ Basic System/ Tier 1 Tier 2 Service NoSubscription Subscription Subscription Pay-Per-Use Feature/ One IncidentFive Incidents Ten Incidents Five Additional Service 01 Per Day Per DayPer Day Incidents Per Included Included Included Day for Fee Feature/Not Included Included Included Available for Service 02 Fee Feature/ NotIncluded Not Included Included Not Available Service 03 for Fee Feature/Not Included Not Included Not Included Available for Service 04 FeeAdvertising Included Included Not Included Depends on Subscription

In table 1, the availability of feature/service 02 and feature/service03 vary based on a user's subscription plan with the connection system.Feature/service 01, feature/service 02 and feature /service 04 areavailable for a usage fee on a pay-per-use basis. The basic service/nosubscription plan has the fewest included features; the higher leveltier 2 subscription plan has the most included features; and the tier 1subscription plan has an intermediate number of included features. Tier2 does not have advertising, whereas tier 1 does. A quantity of afeature/service, such as a number, time period or both, may be includedper the type of plan, as shown for feature/service 01, wherein apay-per-use availability may enable a user to purchase an additionalquantity.

FIG. 3A is an example implementation of a user purchases table which maybe comprised in a database accessed by data services 114 of FIG. 1B.User purchases table 300 comprises records related to user purchasessuch as pay-per-use features and services and subscription servicesavailable for purchase within a connection system. In the exampleimplementation of user purchases table 300, table 300 comprises recordsrelating to user purchases, wherein a record may comprises a userpurchase ID 302 identifying a user purchase, a user ID 304 identifyingthe user making the purchase, a transaction ID 306 identifying a paymenttransaction recording details thereof for the purchase, afeature/service ID 308 identifying the feature/service purchased, afeature/service quantity 310 purchased which units may vary based on thefeature/service purchased (e.g., number of feature/services, number ofhours, etc.), and if the purchase is related to a match or connectionthe user has with another user, the match or connection may beidentified in a match and connection ID 312, which may refer to a matchand connection record as will now be described herein.

Enhanced Candidate Matching and Selection Services

FIG. 3B is an example implementation of a match and connection table 320which may be comprised in a database accessed by data services 114 ofFIG. 1B. Match and connection table 320 comprises records related topotential matches, matches and connections between users. A record maybe created in match and connection table 320 upon a user providing aninterest indication in a candidate match user. A match and connectionrecord of table 320 may comprise: a match and connection ID 322, whichidentifies the match and connection record; a first user ID 324associated with and identifying a user providing an interest indicationin a candidate match user; a second user ID 326 associated with andidentifying the candidate match user; a match and connection status 328representing a status of the match and connection record, such as apending status, a matched status, a connected status, etc.; a matchwindow 330 for a qualifying video chat, which may be represented as adate/time when a chat time window may expire; a first user matchinterest 332 which may indicate a match interest (positive or negative)indicated by a first user ID 324 regarding a second user ID 326, and insome implementations may further indicate a positive interest comprisingan express presentation request for a presentation of their informationto, and express interest in, the second user; a second user matchinterest 334 which may indicate a match interest (positive or negative)indicated by a second user ID 326 regarding a first user ID 324, and maybe a reciprocal positive match interest indication between the firstuser and the second user, thereby creating a match therebetween; a firstuser connection interest 336 which may indicate a connection interest(positive or negative) indicated by a first user ID 324 regarding asecond user ID 326; and a second user connection interest 338 which mayindicate a connection interest (positive or negative) indicated by asecond user ID 326 regarding a first user ID 324, wherein a connectionbetween the first user and the second user is created following mutualpositive connection interest indications indicated by the first user andthe second user;

Referring to FIG. 3B in conjunction with FIG. 2, a record of table 320may be generated or updated as a result of step 206 of FIG. 2 where UserA makes a positive or negative match interest indication regarding UserB. If User B has already indicated a match interest in User A, eitherpositive or negative, as queried in step 210, then a match andconnection record has already been generated in table 320 comprisingUser A as a second user ID 326 and User B as a first user ID 324, andthis record is updated in conjunction with step 206, otherwise a recordis generated in conjunction with step 206. Table 2 below describes arelationship between an order of match interest indications for a User Aand a User B and an assignment of a first user ID and second user IDcomprised by a match and connection record.

TABLE 2 User ID Assignment for a Match and Connection Record User AIndicates User B Indicates User ID Interest First Interest First FirstUser ID 324 User A User B Second User ID 326 User B User A

In some implementations, match and connection status 328 may comprisestatuses assigned status codes, such as disclosed in Table 3 below.

TABLE 3 Match and Connection Record Status Codes Status Status Code NameStatus Description 00 First User Match rejected. Negative match interestindication Declined received from a first user regarding a second user01 Pending Match pending. Positive match interest indication receivedfrom a first user regarding a second user 02 Express Express matchpending. Express positive match Pending interest indication receivedfrom a first user regarding a second user 03 Second Match rejected.Negative match interest indication User received from a second userregarding a first user Declined 04 Matched Matched. Reciprocal positivematch interest indication received from a second user regarding a firstuser 05 Expired Match window expired prior to completion of a qualifyingvideo 06 Connected Connected. Mutual positive connection interestindications received from each of the matched users 07 ConnectionConnection is blocked Blocked

In some implementations, a connection system may comprise a feature fora user to reconsider candidate matches that the user had previouslyconsidered and rejected by selecting an undo rejected match function. Anundo rejected match function could be made available as an enhancedservice, pay-per-use service and or subscription based service. Theavailability and pricing of an undo rejected match function could becomprised by a record in a feature/service table. FIG. 3C is an exampleimplementation of a feature/service table 350 which may be in a databaseaccessed by data services 114 of FIG. 1B. Feature/service table 350comprises records related to features and services and theiravailability in a basic service offering and subscription based serviceofferings of a connection service, and as a pay-per-use feature andservice. In the example implementation of feature/service table 350,table 350 comprises records, wherein a record may comprise afeature/service ID 352 identifying feature or service, a feature/servicedescription 354, a basic service availability indication 356, a tier 1subscription availability indication 358, a tier 2 subscriptionavailability indication 360, a pay-per-use pricing amount 362 and apay-per-use quantity indicating the amount provided per a singlepay-per-use purchase. In some implementations, feature/service table 350may comprise the aforementioned express match feature comprising anexpress presentation of a first user's information to, and expressinterest in, a second user, wherein the express match feature may beavailable as a pay-per-use feature and/or included in subscription orbasic service offerings.

In an undo rejected match function, the connection system may beconfigured to present a list of one or more recently rejected candidatematches. When a user makes a request to undo rejected matches, match andconnection records having a status of 00 (first user declined) or03(second user declined), comprising the user's user ID as either afirst user ID or second user ID, and having a negative user matchinterest (comprised by first user match interest 332 or second usermatch interest 334) indicated by the user (depending if the user is afirst or second user of the match and connection record) may beretrieved beginning with a most recent record comprising such arejection and may be limited to a maximum number of such records (e.g.,5, 10 or 20) and/or limited to a maximum time period (e.g., 1 day, 5days or 10 days). A user may then review the pool of retrieved andpreviously rejected candidates for reconsideration. For any candidate inwhich the user now selects a positive interest, the associated match andconnection record and status may be updated to reflect the new usermatch interest (332 or 334) indication and status 328.

In some implementations, users are not presented with a candidate matchwhich has already rejected them, namely, a user will not be presentedwith a candidate match when there is a match and connection recordcomprising a first user ID for the candidate match user, a second userID for the user, a status of 00 (first user declined) and a negativefirst user match interest 332. In this case, the candidate match userhas already established that they are not interested in a match with theuser and the user is not presented with the candidate match forconsideration. However, it is possible for both users to be presentedwith each other's information for match consideration during the sametime and prior to either user indicating an interest indication, andtherefore both may indicate interest indications. It is thereforepossible for a first user match interest 332 to be negative and seconduser interest to be either null (no interest received), negative orpositive. Table 4 below depicts the change of status for a first usermatch interest 332 being changed from a negative indication to apositive indication as part of an undo rejected match function.

TABLE 4 Match and Connection Record Change of Status Code Due to FirstUser Match Interest Change from Negative to Positive Prior to ChangedFirst User Match Interest After Changed First User Match Interest StatusCode 328 = 00 (First User Decl.) Status Code 328 = 01 (Pending) FirstUser Match Interest 332 = Negative First User Match Interest 332 =Positive Second User Match Interest 334 = Null Second User MatchInterest 334 = Null Status Code 328 = 03 (Second User Decl.) Status Code328 = 03 (Second User Decl.) First User Match Interest 332 = NegativeFirst User Match Interest 332 = Positive Second User Match Interest 334= Negative Second User Match Interest 334 = Negative Status Code 328 =00 (First User Decl.) Status Code 328 = 04 (Matched) First User MatchInterest 332 = Negative First User Match Interest 332 = Positive SecondUser Match Interest 334 = Positive Second User Match Interest 334 =Positive

In some implementations comprising express match, a first user may undoa negative indication and indicate an express positive indication forfirst user match interest 332 provided the second user match interest334 is a null value. Upon such a change, the status would change from 00(first user decline) to 02 (express pending) and the first user'sinformation and express interest in the second user would be sent to thesecond user for a match consideration with the first user. If the seconduser match interest 334 is not a null value, then the second user hasalready been presented with the first user's information for a matchconsideration.

As noted, a match and connection record of table 320 is createdfollowing an indication of a first user match interest 332. As such, afirst user match interest indication does not potentially comprise anull value as does a second user match interest 334. Table 5 belowdepicts the change of status for a second user match interest 334 beingchanged from a negative indication to a positive indication as part ofan undo rejected match function for first user match interest 332 valuesof positive and negative.

TABLE 5 Match and Connection Record Change of Status Code Due to SecondUser Match Interest Change from Negative to Positive Prior to ChangedSecond User Match After Changed Second User Match Status Code 328 = 03(Second User Decl.) Status Code 328 = 04 (Matched) First User MatchInterest 332 = Positive First User Match Interest 332 = Positive SecondUser Match Interest 334 = Negative Second User Match Interest 334 =Positive Status Code 328 = 03 (Second User Decl.) Status Code 328 = 00(First User Decl.) First User Match Interest 332 = Negative First UserMatch Interest 332 = Negative Second User Match Interest 334 = NegativeSecond User Match Interest 334 = Positive

In some implementations, a connection system may as a default restrictthe number of matches a user may request, namely, restrict the number ofpositive match interest indications over a time period, for example,five per day, and offer additional match requests as a pay-per-usefeature/service and/or as part of a subscription based service. Forexample, a purchase of a pay-per-use feature/service could provideadditional match requests and increase the number from five to ten perday. Or a subscription package may offer up to ten per day, up to 50 perweek, or both. Or as an additional example, a subscription package couldoffer unlimited match requests to a subscribing user. Similarly, in someimplementations, a connection system comprising express match may as adefault restrict the number of express matches a user may request over atime period, for example, one per day, and offer additional expressmatches as a pay-per-use feature/service and or as part of asubscription based service. For example, a purchase of a pay-per-usefeature, could increase the number from one to five per day. Or asubscription package may offer up to five per day, up to 10 per week, orboth. Or as an additional example, a subscription package could offerunlimited express matches to a subscribing user.

A connection system generally limits selection of candidate matchescomprising a user location in a geographic area common with that of theuser's user location. In some implementations, a connection system mayoffer a user the ability to receive candidate matches from a userspecified alternative geographic area as an enhanced service,pay-per-use service and or subscription based service. For example, if auser is planning travel or routinely is traveling to a differentgeographic area from the user location comprised by their user profile,a different geographic location may be specified and the user mayreceive candidate matches from the different geographic area.

Feature/service table 350 may comprise records associated with theaforementioned enhanced candidate matching and selection services withthe example feature/service IDs 01 through 04 depicted in table 6 below.Table 6 also depicts example feature/service IDs 05 through 15associated with enhanced match and connection management servicesdescribed later herein.

TABLE 6 Example Implementation of Feature/Service Record IDs, Names andDescriptions. Feature/ Feature/Service Service ID Name Feature/ServiceDescription 01 Undo Rejected Change a submitted match interestindication Match from a negative to a positive interest indication 02Express Match A quantity of (additional) express match requests Request03 Match Requests A quantity of (additional) match requests 04Alternative Receive candidate matches of an alternative Geographic Areageographic area 05 Chat Time Window Extend chat time window expirationby a quantity Extension of time 06 Calendar Synchronize with user'scalendar, e.g., Google Synchronization Calendar and Apple Calendar, forvideo chat scheduling 07 Extended Qual. Extend a qualifying video chatpast a normal Video Chat maximum video chat time 08 Shortened Qual.Shorten qualification time for qualifying vide Video Chat chat 09Qualifying Video Attempt another qualifying video chat Chat Reattempt 10Additional Post connection video chat Video Chat 11 Augmented RealityAugmented reality in a video chat such as Qual. Video Chat virtualenvironments and ambiance setting (e.g., beach scenes and backgroundmusic) 12 Filter/Overlay Qual. Filters and overlays for augmenting auser's Video Chat image when participating in a video chat 13 Blind DateQual. Video chat between preselected users where image Video Chat ofeach user is blurred. If each user indicates positive connectioninterest, profile images are revealed 14 Speed Video Dating Multipleusers participate in back to back Qual. Video Chat qualifying videochats in a speed dating format 15 Video Chat Library With mutualagreement, users may download their Download qualified video chat

Enhanced Match and Connection Management Services Video Chat Time Windowand Video Chat Scheduling

As reflected in step 218 of FIG. 2, in some implementations, there maybe a requirement to video chat within a time window commencing at a timein relation to the creation of a match (such as the time a match iscreated), which may be referred to as a chat time window. If a qualifiedvideo chat does not take place prior to the expiration of the chat timewindow, the match may expire and may be removed from a user's list ofcurrent matches. In some implementations, a connection system may, asdepicted in example feature/service ID 05 of table 6 above, comprise anenhanced service, pay-per-use service and or subscription based servicewhich enables a user to use, purchase for use or access via subscriptiona request for additional time to extend a chat time window. For example,a standard chat time window may be 48 hours and a user or pair of usersmay desire more time to schedule and complete a qualifying video chat.In such a scenario and some implementations, a user may by way ofexample, purchase an additional 24 hours thereby extending the chat timewindow to a total time of 72 hours. In some implementations, a user maypurchase more than one extension, for example, up to three. In someimplementations, additional extensions may become increasingly moreexpensive to purchase. In the case of a subscription based extension,some implementations may permit more than one, for example, up to five,and may enforce a supplemental payment for one or more of the extensionsbeyond the initial extension. A pay-per-purchase of a chat time windowextension may result in a record entry in user purchases table 300 witha user ID 302 associated with the purchasing user, a feature/service ID308 of 05 and a match and connection ID associated with the match forwhich the chat time window is being extended. In some implementations,the user (of the pair of matched users) that is not extending the chattime window, must agree to the extension or the chat time window is notextended.

In some implementations, a connection system may offer enhancedscheduling services to facilitate video chats between users byfacilitating a process to schedule a video chat appointment. A user maywish to present to a matched user one or more potential times to videochat. In order to facilitate the presentation of potential times,enhanced scheduling services may include, as depicted in examplefeature/service ID 06 of table 6 above, a calendar synchronizationfeature to determine from a user's calendar and/or list of appointments,such as a user's Google Calendar, Apple Calendar and current list ofvideo chat appointments, a list of available times which are within aremaining chat time window and show the list of available times to theuser. A calendar synchronization feature associated with feature/serviceID 06 could be made available as part of a subscription service, andthus be reflected in a tier 1 subscription availability 358 and/or tier2 subscription availability 360, both of table 350 of FIG. 3C. The usermay select from available times one or more potential times forpresentation to the matched user. In some implementations, enhancedscheduling services may allow users to establish and maintain a set ofpreferred times of day, which may be variable by the day of week, andfurther which may be a prioritized set of times of day. In this manner,an enhanced scheduling service may show a prioritized list of availabletimes to a user from which they may select one or more potential timesto present to a matched user. If a user is not subscribed to a calendarsynchronization service, then the user would research available timesand suggest potential chat times.

The matched user is then presented with the one or more potential chattimes from which a selection may be made, thereby creating a video chatappointment between the pair of matched users. In some implementations,when the one or more potential times are presented to the matched user,enhanced scheduling services may include, as depicted in examplefeature/service ID 06 of table 6 above, a calendar synchronizationfeature to determine from the matched user's calendar and/or list ofappointments, such as a user's Google Calendar, Apple Calendar andcurrent list of video chat appointments, which presented potential timesare not available and display them differently than potential timeswhich are available, such as greying the unavailable potential times(distinguishing them from, for example, green colored availablepotential times). If the matched user selects a time that is not greyed,namely a time which is mutually available, an appointment may then becreated for a video chat and added to both users' video chatappointments. If the matched user selects a time that is greyed,enhanced scheduling services may present details of the scheduleconflict, such as the calendar or appointment list comprising theconflict and associated details comprised therein. In someimplementations, a user may choose to schedule the video chatappointment at the conflicting time regardless of, and in lieu of theconflict, and an appointment may then be created for a video chat andadded to both users' video chat appointments. In some implementations,users subscribing to a calendar synchronization service may be given theoption to indicate in a setting whether they want their calendar(s)updated to reflect the appointment, not be updated to reflect theappointment or be prompted on a new appointment to add or not add theappointment. In some implementations, users may be given the option toindicate in a setting whether they want to receive an email confirmationof the appointment, not receive an email confirmation of the appointmentor be prompted on a new appointment to receive or not receive an emailconfirmation of the appointment. If a matched user presented with theone or more potential chat times from which a selection may be made, isnot subscribed to a calendar synchronization service, the user mayresearch available times and possible conflicts associated withpresented potential times and make a selection thereof

If a matched user does not accept any of the presented possible times,they may, reverse roles with a presenting user and in the aforementionedprocess, become the user presenting potential times. As long as the chattime window is active and not expired, the pair of matched users maycontinue to present and respond to potential times and reverse roles asneeded until an appointment is successfully scheduled. In someimplementations, enhanced scheduling services may comprise a feature toextend the chat time window, associated with feature/service ID 05 oftable 6 above, as a pay-per-use feature and/or as a feature of asubscription based service. As a pair of users present potential timesand respond thereto, an additional option to extend a chat time windowmay then be selected. In some implementations, an option to extend maybe proffered by one user to the other user, wherein the user receivingthe offer may accept the offer to extend the chat time window or thechat time window may not be extended. In some implementations, when achat time window expires and an associated qualified video chat has nottaken place, matched users may be given the option to add an additionalchat time window, as a pay-per-use feature and/or as a feature of asubscription based service, wherein if neither user selects the option,an additional chat time window may not be added. In someimplementations, a feature/service to add an additional chat time windowmay be a separate feature/service from the feature to extend a chat timewidow associated with feature/service ID 05, or may be comprisedthereby.

In some implementations, enhanced scheduling services may maintain alist of scheduled pending video chat appointments for each user suchthat a user may review their pending appointments, and enhancedscheduling services may provide users with alerts to remind them ofupcoming appointments. In some implementations, users may be given theability to specify settings that apply to all pending appointmentsindicating one or more alerts, e.g., a first alert 15 minutes before anappointment and a second alert one minute before an appointment, andadjust alerts for individual appointments. In some implementations,users may also reschedule an appointment. In some implementations, anoption to reschedule a video chat time to delay its start time by anamount of time, such as 15 minutes may be provided, and/or the option toreschedule to another time may be given, e.g., 8:00 PM Wednesday, may begiven. In some implementations, if the suggested time requires anextended chat time window, the proffering user may be notified of anassociated pay-per-use fee or that the feature to extend a chat timewindow is associated with feature/service ID 05 of table 6 above isincluded in their subscription when considering proposing the new time.The proffering user, if subscribed, may use the aforementioned calendarsynchronization feature associated with feature/service ID 06 to haveenhanced scheduling services determine from the proffering user'scalendar and/or list of appointments, such as a user's Google Calendar,Apple Calendar and current list of video chat appointments, a list ofavailable times which are within a remaining chat time window, or inconjunction with a chat time window extension, and show the list ofavailable times for rescheduling to the proffering user which may selectfrom the available times one or more potential rescheduling times forpresentation to the matched user for a rescheduling of a video chatappointment. When the one or more potential rescheduling times arepresented to the matched user, if subscribed to the aforementionedcalendar synchronization feature associated with feature/service ID 06,enhanced scheduling services may determine from the matched user'scalendar and/or list of appointments, such as a user's Google Calendar,Apple Calendar and current list of video chat appointments, which of thepresented potential rescheduling times are not available and displaythem differently than the potential rescheduling times which areavailable, such as greying the unavailable potential rescheduling times.If the matched user selects a time that is not greyed, namely a timewhich is mutually available, a rescheduled appointment may then becreated for a video chat and added to both users' video chatappointments and the previous appointment may be removed or marked ascanceled and rescheduled. In some implementations, the matched user mayselect a time that is greyed, and enhanced scheduling services maypresent details of the schedule conflict, such as the calendar orappointment list comprising the conflict and associated detailscomprised therein. A user may then choose to schedule the video chatappointment at the conflicting time regardless of, and in lieu of theconflict, and a rescheduled appointment may then be created for a videochat and added to both users' video chat appointments and the previousappointment may be removed or marked as canceled and rescheduled.Similar to a new appointment, in some implementations, users subscribingto the calendar synchronization feature associated with feature/serviceID 06 may be given the option to indicate in a setting whether they wanttheir calendar(s) updated to reflect the rescheduled appointment, not beupdated to reflect the rescheduled appointment or be prompted on arescheduled appointment to reflect or not reflect the rescheduledappointment. In some implementations, users may be given the option toindicate in a setting whether they want receive an email confirmation ofthe rescheduled appointment, not receive an email confirmation of therescheduled appointment or be prompted on a rescheduled appointment toreceive or not receive an email confirmation of the rescheduledappointment.

If a matched user does not accept any of the presented possiblerescheduling times, they may, reverse roles with a presenting user andin the aforementioned process, become the user presenting potentialrescheduling times. As long as the chat time window is active and notexpired, or in conjunction with a chat time window extension, the pairof matched users may continue to present and respond to potentialrescheduling times and reverse roles as needed until an appointment issuccessfully rescheduled.

Enhanced Match and Connection Management Services Enhanced Video ChatServices

In some implementations, a connection service may offer a variety ofenhanced video chat services, such as those associated withfeature/services ID 07 through ID 15 of table 6 above, wherein anenhanced video chat service or group of services may be offered as basicservices, pay-per-use services and/or subscription based services. Insome implementations, enhanced video chat services may comprise featuresrelated to the number of video chats attempted and completed and thetime duration of video chats, such as extended duration qualifying videochats, shortened qualifying video chats, qualifying video chatreattempts, multiple video chats both qualifying and potentiallynon-qualifying. In some implementations, enhanced video chat servicesmay comprise features related to augmented reality, for example:creating virtual environments such as beach scenes, hiking, naturesettings, etc.; creating ambiance settings, such as lighting effects,color toning, background music, etc.; and applying filters and overlaysfor augmenting a participant appearance. In some implementations,enhanced video chat services may comprise features related to video chatspecial events, such as speed video dating and video blind dates. Insome implementations, enhanced video chat services may comprise a uservideo chat library, from which a pair of connected and mutually agreeingusers may download a copy of their qualifying video chat.

Feature/service ID 07 of table 6 above relates to a feature to extend aqualifying video chat, wherein in some implementations, a connectionsystem may comprise an enhanced service, pay-per-use service and/orsubscription based service which enables a user to use, purchase for useor access via subscription a feature to add time to a qualifying videochat to extend the video chat past a normal maximum video chat time.Users may wish to extend a qualifying video chat for reasons such asthey are enjoying their interaction and wish it to continue for a longerperiod of time or they feel they need more than the allottedqualification time to make an assessment and indication of a connectioninterest in the matched user.

Feature/service ID 08 of table 6 above relates to a feature to shorten aqualifying video chat, wherein in some implementations, a connectionsystem may comprise an enhanced service, pay-per-use service and/orsubscription based service which enables a user to use, purchase for useor access via subscription a feature to reduce the time duration neededto satisfy a qualification requirement to complete a qualifying videochat. Users may wish to shorten a qualifying video chat for reasons suchas they feel they may make an assessment and indication of a connectioninterest in a matched user in less than the normally allotted time.

Feature/service ID 09 of table 6 above relates to a feature to reattempta qualifying video chat, wherein in some implementations, a connectionsystem may comprise an enhanced service, pay-per-use service and/orsubscription based service which enables a user to use, purchase for useor access via subscription a feature to reattempt a qualifying videochat. Users may wish to reattempt a qualifying video chat for reasonssuch as they feel they need more video chat interaction to make anassessment and indication of a connection interest in the matched user.

Feature/service ID 10 of table 6 above relates to a feature to conduct avideo chat between connected users, wherein in some implementations, aconnection system may comprise an enhanced service, pay-per-use serviceand/or subscription based service which enables connected users to use,purchase for use or access via subscription a feature to video chat. Insome implementations, ongoing post-connection communications betweenusers may commonly be text based communications. Significantly moreresources of a connection system may be required to control or host avideo chat than resources needed to provide text based communications.An operator of a connection system may wish to provide video chatcapability to connected users as an option for ongoing post-connectioncommunications, but may choose to charge a pay-per-use fee, or make itavailable to subscribers via subscription and receive associatedsubscription fees to offset additional costs incurred.

Feature/service ID 11 of table 6 above relates to a feature to conduct aqualifying video chat comprising an augmented reality, wherein in someimplementations, a connection system may comprise an enhanced service,pay-per-use service and/or subscription based service which enablesusers to use, purchase for use or access via subscription a feature tohave a qualifying video chat comprising an augment reality, such asvirtual environments (e.g., beach scenes, hiking, nature settings, etc.)and ambiance setting (e.g., lighting effects, color toning, backgroundmusic, etc.).

Feature/service ID 12 of table 6 above relates to a feature to conduct aqualifying video chat comprising a filter or overlay augmenting a user'simage, wherein in some implementations, a connection system may comprisean enhanced service, pay-per-use service and/or subscription basedservice which enables users to use, purchase for use or access viasubscription a feature to have a qualifying video chat comprising afilter or overlay augmenting a user's image, such that a user may add adifferentiating aspect to their appearance.

Feature/service ID 13 of table 6 above relates to a feature to conduct a“blind date” qualifying video chat, wherein in some implementations, aconnection system may comprise an enhanced service, pay-per-use serviceand/or subscription based service which enables users to use, purchasefor use or access via subscription a feature to request a “blind date”wherein two users participating in the blind date service are selecteddue to a potential compatibility and each user's interest in a blinddate is solicited. If there is a mutual interest in a blind date, amatch and connection record in table 300 comprising a “blind match”match and connection status 328 may be created wherein a blind matchstatus code (note—this code is not shown in Table 3, Match andConnection Record Status Codes) may be specified. Blind matches may usethe same scheduling process disclosed above, however, a user reviewingcurrent matches will see a blind date match represented, wherein, insome implementations, information about the matched user may benonexistent or limited and no profile images will be available unlessblurred to prevent an assessment of the user. A blind date qualifyingvideo chat between the selected users may be conducted wherein the imageof each user is blurred. If each user indicates positive connectioninterest, a connection is created and profile images are then revealedto the participating users.

Feature/service ID 14 of table 6 above relates to a feature toparticipate in a speed video dating event comprising a plurality ofqualifying video chats, wherein in some implementations, a connectionsystem may comprise an enhanced service, pay-per-use service and/orsubscription based service which enables users to use, purchase for useor access via subscription a feature to request a participation in aspeed video dating event. In some implementations, a group of usersparticipating in a speed video dating event are provided access toparticipate due, at least in part, to a potential compatibility withmembers of the group (such as geo location, fit with a specifiedselection criteria, etc.). In some implementations, to solicitparticipation, upcoming speed dating events may be published in advancewithin a connection service app or on a connection service website. Insome implementations, users may propose a speed dating event and specifythe compatibility and selection criteria, wherein an operator of theconnection service may then chose to publish the proposed event as asanctioned and upcoming event to solicit user participation. In someimplementations, users may choose to be notified by email or alertswithin the app of upcoming speed dating events for which they meet thecompatibility and selection criteria. If there is sufficient interest inparticipation expressed to conduct the event, match and connectionrecords may be created in table 300 between the participants (which maybe based on pairing rules, male-female, same sex, either sex, asexpressed in the compatibility and selection criteria), wherein a matchand connection status 328 may be created comprising a speed datingstatus code (note—this code is not shown in Table 3, Match andConnection Record Status Codes). Details and images of user matcheshaving a speed dating status code will not be visible to users whenreviewing user current matches, however, pending speed dating events maybe listed to provide a user with a more complete picture of the pendingactivities. In some implementations, to conduct a speed video datingsession, each user registered to participate may be alerted to connectvia their user device to the service in advance of the event start time,for example 5 minutes in advance and providing a sufficient number ofregistered users have connected prior to a cutoff time, for example oneminute, the connected users may be notified the event will proceed inone minute (or otherwise based on another cutoff time that was used). Insome implementations, a user communications controller (such as usercommunications controller 134 of FIG. 1B) may then initiate back-to-backqualifying video chats between the users, wherein each chat may befollowed by requested connection interest indications from each user.For situations where there is not a balance of male and femaleparticipants to satisfy a specified male-female pairing rule, one ormore users will not have a video chat during each chat session periodwithin the event. In some implementations, these unused session periodsmay be slotted at the end of the event such that the one or more usersmay complete the event early. In some implementations, users may make afinal review of their expressed connection interest indications and makeadjustments thereto, and users may then be notified of any connectionsresulting from the event. In some implementations, users may not begiven an opportunity to adjust their expressed interest indications, andusers may be notified immediately during the event upon a reciprocalpositive connection indication and the creation of a connection (withtheir last video chat partner). In some implementations, users whoregister and subsequently do not participate, or for users who start theevent and abandon the event prior to completion, any associated speeddating match and connection records for which a video chat did not occurmay be voided, such that the two users represented by the record are notlimited in generating a match or connection in the future.

Feature/service ID 15 of table 6 above relates to a feature to downloada video file of a qualifying video chat, wherein in someimplementations, a connection system may comprise an enhanced service,pay-per-use service and/or subscription based service which enablesusers to use, purchase for use or access via subscription a feature,with mutual agreement, to download their qualified video chat. Users maywish to have a file of their qualifying video chat as an early recordrelated to their relationship. For example, users may wish to show their“first date” at their wedding reception.

Enhanced User Policies and User Services User Coaching Services

In some implementations, a connection service may offer user coachingservices, wherein various coaching services may be offered as basicservices, pay-per-use services, subscription based services or acombination thereof In some implementations, coaching services maycomprise peer-to-peer services where users which have been successfulmaking connections within the service may offer coaching support toother users. In some implementations, coaching services may compriseexpert services where trained relationship coaches offer coachingservices to users. Expert coaches may review user information such asuser profiles, user metrics (such as number of times considered as acandidate match, number of times of positive match interest, number ofvideo chats attempted, number of qualified video chats, number ofpositive connection interest, etc.), feedback received on the user,videos of user video chats, etc. In some implementations, peer-to-peercoaches may have access to less information for review and mayalternatively only have access to user profiles as seen by other usersof the system, and receive other information only as conveyed directlyby the user they are coaching. In some implementations, user feedbackmay be collected wherein a user reporting feedback may be anonymous andfeedback may be restricted to expert coaches. In some implementations,video chats may be restricted to expert coaches and may protect theanonymity of the paired users within the video chat, by making visibleonly the user being coached. In some implementations, coaching servicesmay comprise trial video chats for general user training or inpreparation for a specific upcoming video chat.

Enhanced User Policies and User Services Video Chat Library

In some implementations, a connection system may have a policy wherethey own all video chat content, and a policy where users may notcapture streams and screenshots thereof. In some implementations, avideo chat library may be maintained that may provide limited access tousers to view their video chats, wherein such access may be for limitedpurposes, may require an active associated connection with the otheruser of the video chat (the paired user), and may further require theconsent of the paired user of the video chat. A limited purpose may be,by way of example, to review a video chat before an in-person date orreview a video chat before a post-connection video chat. In someimplementations, a qualifying video chat file may be purchased anddownloaded as described earlier herein in conjunction withfeature/service ID 15.

Enhanced User Policies and User Services Advanced Policy Enforcement

As discussed earlier, in some implementations, a connection service mayallow users to report policy infractions and other concerning behaviorof other users such that a user based policing procedure may besupported. For example, users may be automatically blocked from use upona given number, such as three, reports being submitted regarding theirpolicy infractions or concerning behavior. A blocked user would thenhave to successfully appeal to be reinstated to use of the system. Insome implementations, a connection system may also comprise an advancedpolicy enforcement which may comprise image recognition software to scanuser profile images and video chat images and to attempt to discerninappropriate content which may violate user policies for submittedcontent and user behavior while using the system. In someimplementations, content which may be inappropriate may lead to anautomatic suspension of a submitting or inappropriately behaving user,or may be flagged for audit by system personnel for a disciplinaryaction, such as a warning or suspension, to be taken.

Additional Applications

Some implementations disclosed herein have been disclosed in a contextdirected towards a personal relationship connection, such as in acontext of dating or a finding a partner or friend. However, suchdisclosures have been illustrative and should not be used to limit thescope of the present disclosure. The social connection systems andmethods and implementations thereof disclosed herein are applicable to abroad range of applications, such as: a business and/or consumerdesiring to identify and connect with a doctor/medical professional, atherapist, a lawyer, a real estate agent, an interior decorator, astylists, a travel guide, a contractor, a plumber, a painter, a lightconstruction/renovation handyman, an electricians), a mechanic, a maid,a nanny, a babysitter, a nutritionists, a personal trainers, a personallife coach, a tutor a music teacher or other teacher, such as a languageteacher or teacher of cooking classes.

While the principles of the disclosure have been described above inconnection with specific methods and systems, it is to be understoodthat this description is made only by way of example and not limitationon the scope of the disclosure. Although several implementations havebeen illustrated and described in detail, it will be recognized thatsubstitutions and alterations are possible without departing from thespirt and scope of the appended claims. Modifications, additions, oromission may be made to the methods described above without departingfrom the scope of the disclosure. Additionally, the steps may beperformed in any suitable order without departing from the scope aswell.

The foregoing disclosure provides illustration and description, but isnot intended to be exhaustive or to limit the implementations to theprecise form disclosed. Modifications and variations are possible inlight of the above disclosure or may be acquired from practice of theimplementations.

As used herein, the term component is intended to be broadly construedas hardware, software, firmware, and/or combinations of hardware,software or firmware. As used herein, the term module is intended to bebroadly construed as hardware, software or firmware, and/or combinationsof hardware, software or firmware.

It will be apparent that systems and/or methods, described herein, maybe implemented in different forms of hardware, software, firmware, orcombinations of hardware, software or firmware. The actual specializedcontrol hardware or software code used to implement these systems and/ormethods is not limiting of the implementations. Thus, the operation andbehavior of the systems and/or methods were described herein withoutreference to specific software code, as it is understood that softwareand hardware can be designed to implement the systems and/or methodsbased on the description herein.

Even though particular combinations of features are recited in theclaims and/or disclosed in the specification, these combinations are notintended to limit the disclosure of possible implementations. In fact,many of these features may be combined in ways not specifically recitedin the claims and/or disclosed in the specification. Although eachdependent claim listed below may directly depend on only one claim, thedisclosure of possible implementations includes each dependent claim incombination with every other claim in the claim set unless suchcombination is contradictory to the disclosure.

No element, act, or instruction used herein should be construed asrequired, critical or essential unless explicitly described as such.Also, as used herein, the articles “a” and “an” are intended to includeone or more items, and may be used interchangeably with “one or more.”Furthermore, as used herein, the term “set” is intended to include oneor more items (e.g., related items, unrelated items, a combination ofrelated and unrelated items, etc.), and may be used interchangeably with“one or more” unless it is stated or implicit that the set may be a nullset. Where only one item is intended, the term “one” or similar languageis used. Also, as used herein, the terms “has,” “have,” “having,” or thelike are intended to be open-ended terms. Further, the phrase “based on”is intended to mean “based, at least in part, on” unless explicitlystated otherwise.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of connecting users, the methodcomprising: receiving a plurality of user profiles comprising a firstuser profile of a first user and a second user profile of a second user;identifying a set of one or more candidate matches for the first userfrom the plurality of user profiles, wherein the set of one or morecandidate matches comprises the second user profile; transmitting atleast portions of the second user profile to the first user; receiving afirst positive match interest indication from the first user indicatingthat the first user is interested in communicating with the second user;transmitting portions of the first user profile to the second user;receiving a second positive match interest indication from the seconduser indicating that the second user is interested in communicating withthe first user; facilitating a video chat between the first user and thesecond user; determining that the video chat between the first user andthe second user meets qualification requirements and receiving based onthe determination: a first connection interest indication from the firstuser regarding the second user, wherein the indication is a positiveconnection interest indication thereby indicating that the first user isinterested in further communication with the second user; and a secondconnection interest indication from the second user regarding the firstuser, wherein the indication is a positive connection interestindication thereby indicating that the second user is interested infurther communication with the first user; and enabling furthercommunication between the first user and the second user based on thefirst connection interest indication and the second connection interestindication both being positive connection interest indications.
 2. Themethod of claim 1, further comprising receiving a request by the firstuser for candidate matches and the transmitting of the at least portionsof the second user profile to the first user is in response thereto. 3.The method of claim 2, further comprising receiving a request by thesecond user for candidate matches and the transmitting of the at leastportions of the first user profile to the second user is in responsethereto.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the first positive matchinterest indication is an express positive match interest indication andthe transmitting of the at least portions of the first user profile tothe second user is in response thereto.
 5. The method of claim 1,wherein the qualification requirements are a minimum time duration forthe video chat between the first user and the second.
 6. The method ofclaim 5, wherein the minimum time duration is a period of time from therange of time durations having and inclusive of the endpoints of a 3minute duration and a 15 minute duration.
 7. The method of claim 1,wherein the qualification requirements are a received indication fromthe first user that the video chat meets the approval of the first userfor a qualified video chat and a received indication from the seconduser that the video chat meets the approval of the second user for aqualified video chat.
 8. The method of claim 1, further comprisingdetermining that a time window has not expired, wherein the time windowbegins from the latter of the receipt of the first positive matchinterest indication or the receipt of the second positive match interestindication, and the facilitation of the video chat between the firstuser and the second user is at least in part a result of the time windowhaving not expired.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the time window isa period of time from the range of time periods having and inclusive ofthe endpoints of a 24 hour period and a 72 hour period.
 10. The methodof claim 1, further comprising: receiving a third user profile of athird user and a fourth user profile of a fourth user, wherein the thirduser profile and the fourth user profile are further comprised by theplurality of user profiles; identifying a set of one or more candidatematches for the third user from the plurality of user profiles, whereinthe set of one or more candidate matches comprises the fourth userprofile; transmitting at least portions of the fourth user profile tothe third user; receiving a third positive match interest indicationfrom the third user indicating that the third user is interested incommunicating with the fourth user; transmitting at least portions ofthe third user profile to the fourth user; receiving a fourth positivematch interest indication from the fourth user indicating that thefourth user is interested in communicating with the third user;facilitating a video chat between the third user and the fourth user;and determining if the video chat between the third user and the fourthuser meets qualification requirements, wherein if the video chat meetsqualification requirements, the method further comprising: receiving athird connection interest indication from the third user regarding thefourth user; receiving a fourth connection interest indication from thefourth user regarding the third user; and enabling further communicationbetween the third user and the fourth user if each of the thirdconnection interest indication and the fourth connection interestindication is a positive connection interest indication therebyindicating mutual interest in further communication between the thirduser and fourth user.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the video chatbetween the third user and the fourth user meets qualificationrequirements and at least one of the third connection interestindication and the fourth connection interest indication is not apositive connection interest indication, and as a result of the at leastone of the third connection interest indication and the fourthconnection interest indication not being a positive connection interestindication, further communication between the third user and the fourthuser is not enabled.
 12. The method of claim 10, wherein the video chatbetween the third user and the fourth user does not meet qualificationrequirements and: a third connection interest indication from the thirduser regarding the fourth user is not received; a fourth connectioninterest indication from the fourth user regarding the third user is notreceived; and further communication between the third user and thefourth user is not enabled.
 13. The method of claim 10, wherein thevideo chat between the third user and the fourth user does not meetqualification requirements, the method further comprising: receivingfrom the third user a request to video chat again; receiving from thefourth user a request to video chat again; facilitating a reattemptedvideo chat between the third user and the fourth user; and determiningthat the reattempted video chat between the third user and the fourthuser meets reattempt qualification requirements, the method furthercomprising: receiving a third connection interest indication from thethird user regarding the fourth user, wherein the indication is apositive connection interest indication thereby indicating that thethird user is interested in further communication with the fourth user;receiving a fourth connection interest indication from the fourth userregarding the third user, wherein the indication is a positiveconnection interest indication thereby indicating that the fourth useris interested in further communication with the third user; and enablingfurther communication between the third user and the fourth user basedon the third connection interest indication and the fourth connectioninterest indication both being positive connection interest indications.14. A system for connecting users, the system comprising: one or moreservers, each server comprising one or more processors and configured tocommunicate over a communications network; a plurality of user devices,each user device: comprising one or more processors and a user interfaceoperable by a user; and configured to communicate over a communicationsnetwork and enable a user to interact the one or more servers; one ormore databases accessible by the one or more servers; and a plurality ofuser profiles comprised by the one or more databases, representing aplurality of users and usable by a user operating a user device toconsider an interest regarding one or more users represented by theplurality of user profiles; matches comprised by the one or moredatabases and representing matched pairs of users, each matched pair ofusers being matched at least in part due to the one or more serversreceiving a positive match interest indication from each user of thematched pair of users via a user device operated thereby, the positivematch interest indication indicating a positive interest in a video chatwith the other user of the matched pair of users; video chats betweenmatched pairs of users, facilitated by the one or more servers anduseable by each user of a matched pair of users having engaged in avideo chat to consider a connection interest in the other user of amatched pair of users; qualified video chats resulting from video chatsbetween matched pairs of users where the video chats meet qualificationrequirements; connections comprised by the one or more databases andrepresenting connected pairs of users, each connected pair of usershaving engaged in a qualified video chat as a matched pair of users andbeen connected at least in part due to the qualified video chat and theone or more servers receiving a positive connection interest indicationfrom each user of the connected pair of users via a user device operatedthereby, the positive connection interest indication indicating apositive interest in further communication with the other user of theconnected pair of users; and enabled communication between connectedpairs of users, each user of the connected pair of users enabled by theone or more servers to communicate with the other connected pair ofusers, the enabling of communications due at least in part to theconnected pair of users having engaged in a qualified video chat as apair of matched users and mutually indicating positive connectioninterest indications, thereby connecting users of the connection systemwith other users of the connection system.
 15. The system of claim 14,further comprising: a candidate matching and selection module comprisedby the one or more servers, the candidate matching and selection modulebeing configured to process a user request for candidate matchesreceived by the one or more servers from a requesting user, wherein thecandidate matching and selection module: selects a set of none or morecandidate matches selected from the plurality of user profiles based atleast in part on selection criteria specified by the requesting user,and if the set comprises one or more candidate matches, provides atleast portions of the selected one or more user profiles of thecandidate matches for use by the requesting user to consider an interestregarding the one or more users represented therein;
 16. The system ofclaim 14, further comprising a user communications controller comprisedby the one or more servers, wherein the user communications controlleris configured to control video chats facilitated between matched pairsof users.
 17. The system of claim 16, wherein: The user communicationscontroller is further configured to control video chats facilitatedbetween a matched pair of users using a communications signalingprotocol; each user device of each user of a matched pair of usersengaging in a video chat therebetween controlled by the communicationscontroller is configured as an endpoint for video streams of the videochat; and the communications controller controls the initiation of thevideo streams and the termination of the video streams between the userdevices configured as the endpoints for the video chat between the pairof users.
 18. The system of claim 16, wherein: the user communicationscontroller is further configured to control video chats facilitatedbetween a matched pair of users by controlling relayed video streams ofthe video chat, relayed by an intermediate host; each user device ofeach user of a matched pair of users engaging in a video chattherebetween controlled by the communications controller is configuredas an endpoint for video streams of the video chat; and thecommunications controller controls the initiation of the video streamsand the termination of the video streams between the user devicesconfigured as the endpoints for the video chat between the pair ofusers.
 19. A non-transitory computer-readable medium comprisinginstructions that, when executed by one or more processors, areconfigured to: receive a plurality of user profiles comprising a firstuser profile of a first user and a second user profile of a second user;identify a set of one or more candidate matches for the first user fromthe plurality of user profiles, wherein the set of one or more candidatematches comprises the second user profile; transmit at least portions ofthe second user profile to the first user; receive a first positivematch interest indication from the first user indicating that the firstuser is interested in communicating with the second user; transmitportions of the first user profile to the second user; receiving asecond positive match interest indication from the second userindicating that the second user is interested in communicating with thefirst user; facilitate a video chat between the first user and thesecond user; determine that the video chat between the first user andthe second user meets qualification requirements and receive as a resultof the determination: a first connection interest indication from thefirst user regarding the second user, wherein the indication is apositive connection interest indication thereby indicating that thefirst user is interested in further communication with the second user;and a second connection interest indication from the second userregarding the first user, wherein the indication is a positiveconnection interest indication thereby indicating that the second useris interested in further communication with the first user; and enablefurther communication between the first user and the second user basedon the first connection interest indication and the second connectioninterest indication both being positive connection interest indications.20. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 19, furthercomprising instructions that, when executed by one or more processors,are further configured to: receive a third user profile of a third userand a fourth user profile of a fourth user, wherein the third userprofile and the fourth user profile are further comprised by theplurality of user profiles; identify a set of one or more candidatematches for the third user from the plurality of user profiles, whereinthe set of one or more candidate matches comprises the fourth userprofile; transmit at least portions of the fourth user profile to thethird user; receive a third positive match interest indication from thethird user indicating that the third user is interested in communicatingwith the fourth user; transmit at least portions of the third userprofile to the fourth user; receive a fourth positive match interestindication from the fourth user indicating that the fourth user isinterested in communicating with the third user; facilitate a video chatbetween the third user and the fourth user; and determine if the videochat between the third user and the fourth user meets qualificationrequirements, wherein if the video chat meets qualificationrequirements, being further configured to: receive a third connectioninterest indication from the third user regarding the fourth user;receive a fourth connection interest indication from the fourth userregarding the third user; and enable further communication between thethird user and the fourth user if each of the third connection interestindication and the fourth connection interest indication is a positiveconnection interest indication thereby indicating mutual interest infurther communication between the third user and fourth user.